The Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded to officers and warrant officers for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. Supplement to the London Gazette, 5 December 1919

The 1¼ inch wide ribbon consisted of alternating, horizontal violet and white stripes. Beginning in 1919, the stripes on the ribbon were diagonal.

For services during the Great War, the London Gazette announced the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) to members of the flying services 1,195 times:

Airmen who received the Distinguished Flying Cross: 1,116
Airmen who received a first Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross: 75
Airmen who received a second Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross: 4